Smoking a joint is one of life's little luxuries. There is nothing quite like the deliciously pure taste of hemp paper and good cannabis. You can enjoy it kicked back in your favorite deck chair, talking walk under a green canopy, or even soaking in the back. But you don't always want the huge blunt-sized joint that is easiest to roll.

Rolling a super thin joint is a great way to conserve your cannabis and to pace yourself if you've got a really potent strain. The technique, however, for rolling a thin joint can be a little tricky. Commonly called "pinners", because they are the size of a pin, a thin joint requires dexterity and precision to roll tight enough for a good toke. Today, Vessel is here to help you roll that perfect pinned for that light, quick, super-thin joint experience you're after.

Joint Rolling Supplies

• Cannabis Buds
• Grinder
• Rolling Papers
• Small Filter or Card Paper

Step 1: Grind Your Weed Finely

The first step is to grind up your flower. Load a small bud into your grinder and take the time to really grind it up. You want the size just above powder. Really thin joints don't have a lot of leeway for chunky or dense buds, else the pinned might not smoke evenly.

When the flower is ground, tap it out onto your tray, table, or workspace. This will make it easier to pinch and distribute. You may also want to have a container nearby to hold the extra, as thin joints don't take much and there's usually some left over.

Step 2: Prepare Your Pinner Filter

Step two is to prepare your filter. A handmade filter just keeps the joint from becoming a "salad shooter", but it will also help to space your roll to just the right size.

Take a small piece of cardstock about the size of your pinkie tip - or smaller if you have large finger pads. You want a rectangle that is about 1 to 1.5 inches long and as "tall" as you want your filter to be inside the joint.

Fold a "Z" Into one end about the width you want your pinned to be, then roll the rest around your Z and pinch it tight. It's OK to try a few times until you get a filter that is just the right size. You'll get good at this with practice.

Step 3: Fold the Paper Near the Bottom Edge

Now take your rolling paper and lay it glue-up. On your tray, the slightly shiny strip should be at the top and pointed toward the ceiling as the paper lays flat. This means that when you roll up from the bottom, it will glue down over the outside.

Fold your paper so about 1/4 of the lower edge creates a "V" along the length. This is the trough for your filter and weed, and where your roll will start.

Step 4) Place the Filter and Distribute the Weed

Place the filter at one end of the joint in the trough. This will be your main pinch point. Then sprinkle a small amount of ground-up weed evenly along the trough, just enough to make the fill size you want. It should look slightly smaller than the size of your filter.

Step 5) Pinch and Roll

Gently lift the paper by the fold and filter and cradle it between your fingers. Carefully pinch the weed down into a packed line as you fold the paper up over it. Roll your thumbs and fingers evenly to create the first roll around the width of the filter. Be careful with your hand on the non-filter side to keep it at about the same density.

If your first roll was successful, keep rolling until you have an even-looking joint and only the shiny strip is sticking up. If your first roll wasn't successful, try again from the pinch-point until your fingers get it right. This, too, gets easier with practice. 

Step 6) Lick and Seal

The last step, once you're satisfied with the width, density, and evenness of your super thin joint, is to lightly lick the shiny strip of glue and then press it down tightly over the roll. Don't use too much saliva or your joint will need to dry a little before it smokes evenly. Run your fingers along the seal to make sure it sticks down firmly.

Step 7) Tap and Twist

The final step is the joint-roller's pro move. First, tap the pinned on the filter end like your packing it down. Then gently roll the length between your fingertips, making sure there's a little bit of give and space. Roll toward the open end and if any flower pushes out, add it to your spare ground-up weed in the container. 

Use a small tool to clear about a quarter-inch of paper at the tip and twist it closed. You have now rolled your first pinned joint. 

Enjoying Your Buds with VESSEL

If you want a high-efficiency one-hitter that you can use again and again  - instead of hand-rolling pinned - check out Vessel's line of dry herb pipes. Powered by a copper Helix filter, you can enjoy a metal blunt, cone, or pipe herb pen designed to give you the most delicious and efficient hit that our lab team could devise. 

For more great cannabis tips, tricks, and products that never quit, check out Vessel today.

Troubleshooting Your Thin Joint Rolling Technique

Anyone can roll a super-thin joint, but it definitely takes practice. Hand-rolling always requires precision and paying close attention to your leaf density and distribution during the process. You probably have a few questions, and we'll try to answer them here.

How do I make a smaller filter for a thinner joint?

Use a shorter piece of card and fold the "Z" smaller. Or fold it into a simple, tight spiral. The shorter the card, the fewer rolls and the thinner it will be.

Can I use a rolling machine?

If you have a hand-rolling machine that makes joints, it is probably designed for a specific width based on the spacing and the size of the fabric loop. But you can try adjusting the setting or adding less weed to see how it turns out.

My pinned fell apart, what did I do wrong?

Chances are that you didn't pinch tight enough, or keep your roll tight enough while rolling. Or you might have rolled one side too loose. Keep the paper even in your hands and pinch the weed down like you're vacuum-sealing it when you start to roll. Then hold it tight as you seal it so the joint doesn't loosen when you let go.

Why does my joint smoke unevenly?

There are a couple of reasons why a thin joint would smoke unevenly. You might have chunky weed that's not ground finely enough, you might have lost your even distribution while handling the paper, or you might have licked one section of the joint too damp.

Problem number two can be solved by gently rolling the joint between your thumb and forefinger down the length to redistribute the leaf. Problem three can be solved by letting your joints dry after sealing them.